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A further extension agreed; until 18 Dec 2026 @24 Sept 2026

We have identified that Leeds Planning Dept and Hargreaves have agreed to extend the time allowed to determine the application.

That agreement now expires on 18 Dec 2026. An extension of almost 3 months. Again.

SMQ anticipated a possible revision effort by Hargreaves, where they'd eliminate some of their application deficiencies that have been identified by consultees and others. We had seen glimpses of that in May 2026 when Hargreaves would not support their own application at the plans panel meeting. SMQ had identified that Hargreaves application would not have been permitted in its current state for a number of hard fact non-compliances to regulations.

  • One example: There's a minimum distance for clearance between pylon wires and the ground level, and their application raised the ground level so that the gap could not meet the safe distance requirement. So that HAD to be designed out, or would be refused.

SMQ expect that a revision to the application is likely to address the example above, and some other issues too, and that would fit with the LCC planning decision to again extend their agreement with Hargreaves. SMQ assume the extension allows LCC planning to receive a revision from Hargreaves and to then understand all the impacts and issues, update their planning report, prior to a determination. There may be a further consultation, there may not. We should find out soon.

SMQ does not know when the determination might be, but we do know that LCC planning policy is for one revision event per application.

MMRA and SMQ have clear objective objection data, and will continue to use it. In the event of a revision being made and submitted to LCC planning portal, then MMRA and SMQ will continue to investigate and object using appropriate data and analysis, in order that the council are fully informed about why this quarry application must be refused.

Plans Panel meeting for Sept cancelled @4 Sept 2026

LCC planning today confirmed there are no applications for a Plans Panel in September. So that's now clear.

Not much else is much clearer : How outcomes might develop are currently anyones guess. Getting through the process is the route to the result.

MMRA know Hargreaves would want to talk about ideas Hargreaves might say they might have, to maybe alter the application, in some way or another. Those ideas are just that; ideas, and exist entirely outside of any LCC planning portal controls or governance. Unless and until they're with LCC planning, are whole, complete, validated, and published on LCC planning portal, then they're not the application.

Any 'talk' of ideas outside of the process likely undermines the controls and traceability within LCC planning processes. MMRA would therefore likely decline invitations we received from others who wish to talk outside of the planning process controls.

  • The existing application has been with LCC since April 2025, and is still insufficiently complete from the councils point of view. A list of items asked for by LCC, of Hargreaves, is still not with LCC planning. Why not ?

  • If Hargreaves really has some altered application they're wanting to get done, then why isn't it with LCC planning and available on the portal for everyone to see ?

MMRA and SMQ have clear strong data, are focussed on the applications weaknesses and issues, and will not be distracted by 'loose-talk' outside of the planning process.

Heel dragging continues, and MP objects to application @1 Sept 2026

The SMQ team continue to actively monitor the application status.

LCC planning have not informed us to advise whether or not the application will be at the Sept plans panel. The panel agenda is due to be issued on 8th Sept so something ought to be clearer by then: Either it will be on the agenda, or it won't.

SMQ know from previous experience, that Hargreaves would be very unlikely to support the published application at a plans panel meeting; Hargreaves have done nothing to meaningfully change anything since May 2026, when they would not then support their own application ! (scroll to 28 April below for those details).

There's nothing new about this application on the LCC planning portal so it would seem nothing new has been provided by Hargreaves to LCC this past month. LCC planning dept previously said anything they receive would be made public on the planning portal. So nothing then !

Meanwhile, MP Keir Mather has recently joined the very long list of people and organisations whom are objecting to the application.

On Facebook he wrote "... I'm adding my voice to those of your local Councillors and the countless local people who are working hard to fight this application'... ....'it’s clear that they (Hargreaves) do not recognise that this is an inappropriate plan in the wrong place'"...and ....'"wanted to add my voice at this critical moment for the campaign."

MMRA and SMQ have clear strong data and we will continue to use it and rigorously oppose Hargreaves application to establish a sand & gravel quarry.

Decision expected from LCC planning ; September 17th or not. @4 Aug 2026

SMQ team continue to monitor the application status, and continue to challenge the proposals.

The SMQ team have twice again pressed LCC Planning dept for their clear plan of their time bound actions & intentions, that would move this application into a plans panel meeting and a planning determination.

LCC Planning dept then asked Hargreaves to provide all additional (missing) information before the beginning of August, in order that LCC planning would make a planning decision in September. There's no statement yet about what LCC Planning Dept might do if they don't receive what they'd asked for.

LCC planning dept said anything they receive would be made public on the planning portal. Not much seems to have been provided then; in fact just one item from Hargreaves's has been added to the list of published documents.

Q : What are Hargreaves actually doing, beyond 'dragging their heels' ? ! What might LCC do now in order to cease the heel dragging ?

We continue to press LCC planning dept and councillors for answers, updates and progress. When we know, we'll post it here.

No change in details or dates since 28 April. @ 1 Jul 2026

SMQ team continue to monitor the application status, and continue to challenge the proposals.

Hargreaves do not have permission to quarry at Coney Moor.

There is no committed date for the LCC plans panel session, where an application from Hargreaves might be reviewed and decided upon.

Regrettably there is no 'Times-Up so you're banned from applying' feature in the planning process.

MMRA and SMQ have clear strong objection data and we will continue opposing Hargreaves proposals to establish a sand & gravel quarry on Mexborough Estates land at Coney Moor.

Tell us your stories at Community Centre on 27 June 2026. @ 2 Jun 2026

We know this long drawn out application process is painful. It has created and continues to create many anxieties and issues, felt differently by each person.

At its root is the quarry application that is (from our viewpoint) incompatible with proximity to people, homes, lives, local services and infrastructure. And seemingly one in which Hargreaves also decided (after two years of being told so) would not pass the planning tests. So they're off having more goes at designing one.

SMQ would like to hear about how this affects and impacts upon you... what has it meant to you ? How does it make you feel ? What are the impacts it's having on you ?

SMQ will be at the community centre 10am-2pm on 27 June to hear these stories and capture them to ensure nothing is missed in our efforts to explain why this quarry cannot be allowed. We'd like to capture as many as possible and in as much detail as you're willing to share.

Meanwhile the campaign team continues to monitor the application and the published documents.

We continue to prepare and be ready in the event that Hargreaves eventually decide they've got an application they might believe in.

Hargreaves decide their application needs revisions @28th April 2026

The SMQ campaign remains on plan and is flexing with the twists and turns that are a feature of the planning process.

On April 28th SMQ detected a new Extension Of Time expiry date on LCC planning portal : Was 29 May 2026, Is 30 Sept 2026

LCC will not receive the application at the May Plans Panel. This is because Hargreaves have realised that their design, their application, as it stood, wasn't going to be approved. As a village we had said so, wrote so, and objected with sufficient cause and count (with other statutory consultees too), to result in Hargreaves deciding it'd have been a NO decision from LCC. If Hargreaves had felt a positive outcome had been coming their way then they'd have likely let their application reach the 28 May panel. Quarry companies seek to avoid the 'NO' being recorded at a plans panel or committee decision, because it records a firm and recorded decision with supporting reasons and rationale, from an authoritative planning function.

So this is a success for us. Hargreaves still don't have permission to quarry, AND, whilst the battle-time might have been shorter had the plans panel occurred on 28 May, the reality is if Hargreaves won't support their own application at a Plans Panel, then there's nothing to make a decision upon.

What's next ? Hargreaves will be re-designing/revising their scheme and that'll take time. Regrettably there is no 'Times-Up so you're banned from applying' feature in the planning process. All objections and other materials related to the application are not voided by the councils and Hargreaves agreement to let the planning window and process continue until 30 September 2026.

MMRA have clear strong objection data which we will use to continue opposing the application. We will continue to oppose the quarry aspirations and applications from those whom would wish to destroy much of what Methley and surrounding area is, and means to us. Recent activities included analysis & push-back of highway design & impact statements.

MMRA SMQ will keep you informed of developments via this site, social media, and village notices, whilst Hargreaves burn more of their time and their money, working out their next steps.

Leeds Planning shows final stage towards decision @19th April 2026

The SMQ campaign remains on plan to be providing our comments on the Case Officers Application Report and Recommendation on 28th May at Plans Panel meeting.

LCC will likely contact everyone whom has made an objection and will advise them of the Plans Panel meeting details.

The StopMethleyQuarry campaign team will apply to speak as an objector against the application. Four minutes total is assigned to commenting on the application on the day. It is strongly suggested that responses to the report & recommendation are provided only by the residents association SMQ team members. A huge amount of research into the application since July 2025 now means that it's shortcomings, vulnerabilities, issues, errors, and compliance faults are best known by those whom have been closest to the details. We have clear strong objection data which we intend to use to continue opposing the application.

Leeds Planning shows final stage towards decision @7th April 2026

LCC Planning have scheduled 28 May 2026 for the determination date. The run-in towards the panel meeting on 28 May will include the case officer report being available to plans panel members 30 days before the panel meets. A copy of the same report will be available to MMRA 7 days before the plans panel meeting.

The Stop Methley Quarry team continues to monitor the application, scrutinises all related content, and 'objects' with relevant points to weigh against this application. We will closely examine the case officers report when we receive it and expect to present our village viewpoint of it, at the Plans Panel meeting.

Important : The MMRA #StopMethleyQuarry campaign group are doing everything we can to convince the decision makers that the application must be denied. You and your objections are a major part of that. So please ; If you've not yet objected and you wish to do so, then make it a priority - please. Visit the Our Concerns page for info, and then Object Now pages for guidance.

Leeds Planning shows An Extension of Time (EoT) until 29 May 2026 @25th Feb 2026

LCC Planning and Hargreaves have agreed to extend the time allowed for their determination until 29 May 2026. More time again... again.

Reminder : We have a drop-in session on 28 Feb 2026 at Comm Centre 10am-3pm if you're wanting to talk with the campaign team.

Further details of the run-in towards the plans panel will be published here soon.

Leeds Planning shows 11 Feb 2026 determination date ; Expect News soon. @3rd Feb 2026

MMRA SMQ campaign continues to monitor the application as it moves through the planning process. LCC data sources show that LCC is working to the 11th Feb determination date. That date is agreed between the applicant and the council since November 2025, and we can only assume that is reasonably underpinned with a plan of some form, containing actions on individuals to do specific things by certain dates. It would otherwise be mis-leading to users of the councils planning portal services in terms of understanding and working with the 'important dates' for this application.

We're running an MMRA drop-in event for residents on 10am-3pm 28 Feb 2026 in Community Centre, to share with you whatever it is that happens on 11 Feb 2026.

Important : The MMRA #StopMethleyQuarry campaign group are doing everything we can to convince the decision makers that the application must be denied. You and your objections are a major part of that. So please ; If you've not yet objected and you wish to do so, then make it a priority - please. Visit the Our Concerns page for info, and then Object Now pages for guidance.

Leeds Planning to put concerns and issues to the developer @30th December 2025

There aren't any significant changes to previously reported news. We continue to wait on Leeds City Council planning to progress their determination report.

Leeds Planning to put concerns and issues to the developer @2nd December 2025

The application and objections remain under consideration by Leeds City Council planning department. The case officer is yet to put objections content & issues to the developer, and will then require a response to the issues raised. Meanwhile LCC have informed MMRA SMQ that the developer is reviewing and responding to consultee inputs.

There's a 16wk standard timeframe starting from the application date (22 Jul 2025) for a council planning team to reach a Determination (basically a recommendation). If complexity or scale of issues associated with a development prevents this date being achievable, then the determination date can be extended in agreement with the developer; the Determination date for the proposed development has moved +3 months to 11 Feb 2026.

The developer is responding to some of the issues raised by consultees, and you can see exchanges of emails and letters relating to these matters, on the planning portal website. The council planning team continue to assess the application's issues and responses, and weigh up any positives/negatives associated with the development.

This will then lead to the determination output expected on 11 Feb 2026, and then a recommendation in the Planning Application Report.

Important : The MMRA #StopMethleyQuarry campaign group are doing everything we can to convince the decision makers that the application must be denied. You and your objections are a major part of that. So please ; If you've not yet objected and you wish to do so, then make it a priority - please. Visit the Our Concerns page for info, and then Object Now pages for guidance.

Edited on 2 Dec following inputs from LCC

Application is in 'Assessment' phase with Leeds Planning Dept @ 1st November 2025

The application and objections are being considered by Leeds City Council planning department. The case officer will examine the objections, including those sent by residents, MMRA SMQ, ward councillors, and other authorities and then will create a list of items which the developer will need to address. The LCC list and the revisions will be published to the LCC Planning Portal. MMRA will keep a close eye on these.

The LCC case officer is currently uncertain how long this phase will take to conclude because it depends on the number & type of objections raised, and on the alterations proposed. There is certainly a lot for the case officer to read in terms of the application, the objections, and eventually the developer's revisions too.

Once the case officer has completed their weighing up of revisions, and pro's/con's of the development, the case officer will write a 'Planning Report'. The report will contain analysis, conclusion, and the planning recommendation (approve/reject) to LCC Plans Panel. LCC will contact everyone who objected to the application informing when & where the planning report can be accessed. The report is available to the plans panel four weeks prior to plans panel meeting date, and available to MMRA five days before the panel meeting date.

MMRA will have opportunity to respond to the planning report at the plans panel meeting on the day. There will then be the decision by vote, at the Plans Panel meeting.

Important : The MMRA #StopMethleyQuarry campaign group are doing everything we can to convince the decision makers that the application must be denied. You and your objections are a major part of that. So please ; If you've not yet objected and you wish to do so, then make it a priority - please. Visit the Our Concerns page for info, and then Object Now pages for guidance.

No surprise to us that authoritative consultee's have objected too ! @1st October 2025

These organisations have objected to the current plan, and there are others whom have responded without support, saying the 'application cannot be supported..', or that 'further information is required...' before a decision (to object or otherwise) can be made. Whilst the plans might be changed to address some objections, we are encouraged that our own village objections are in increasing company with these consultees concerns about HGV Traffic, flood, amenity, safety.

There's news too that there are departments of Leeds Council whom are unable to support the application as submitted.

And Brigshaw Learning Partnership, and Three Lane Ends academy have each objected to the application also.

Visit this site in order to keep upto date as the application continues it's journey through the decision making process.

Do you want to object ? Visit here for info.

Do you want to donate ? Visit here for info.

'Have your Say' Phase almost complete - keep your objections & donations coming @14th September 2025

It is very important that any objection you are still to make, is made NOW. Don't put it off. The publicised closing date for objections is 19th Sept 2025. We know the council say they'll receive and consider objections right up to the determination date, even to the planning panels date, BUT we'd rather you get them in now. If you still have an objection to make, then make it now.

The MMRA #StopMethleyQuarry campaign group are doing everything we can to convince the decision makers that the application must be denied. You and your objections are a major part of that. So please ; If you've not yet objected and you wish to do so, then make it a priority - please. Visit the Our Concerns page for info, and then Object Now pages for guidance.

Meanwhile the council have received objections from persons in our community and beyond. The council have also received input and objections from mandatory consultees, and some other consultees are yet to respond. All objections and inputs will be being considered by the council's planning 'Case Officer'. The case officer may then require further details from the applicant about specific items E.G more specific content than was provided in the application. We may see Hargreaves begin to modify part of their application in light of objections or other input. We'll continue to update this page with latest news.

The campaign group is continuing to seek funds to cover costs thus far, and to prepare for what may lie ahead. If you feel you can donate then visit our Fundraising page.

Be sure you have your say - keep them coming @1st September 2025

Object now. It is very important that any objection you have is made NOW to the council. Don't put it off.

We must convince the decision makers that this quarry is neither needed nor wanted, and is dangerously inappropriate for its proposed place.

As a campaign group we are doing everything we can. Please do everything you can ; If you've not yet done one then make it a priority - please.

Visit the Our Concerns page for info, and then Object Now pages for guidance.

More than 1000 objections - keep them coming @19th August 2025

Object now. It is very important that any objection you have is made NOW to the council. We must convince the decision makers that this quarry is neither needed nor wanted, and is dangerously inappropriate for its proposed place. As a campaign group we are doing everything we can. Please do everything you can ; If you've not yet done one then make it a priority - please. Visit the Our Concerns page for info, and then Object Now pages for guidance.

7000 campaign booklets delivered @ 12th August 2025

We’re pleased to share that we had sufficient volunteers to help hand deliver booklets to homes and businesses in Methley, Mickletown, parts of Allerton-bywater, and parts of Castleford. Leaders of, and councillors from, Wakefield and Leeds helped in the distribution efforts. It's a testament to the strong local opposition that this type of exercise can be done with volunteers in the few days leading up to today. We're already seeing up-tick in interest and objection counts as a result of the content in the booklet. And interest wasn't restricted just to this area ; there's interest in the damage to be caused to this area, from further afield too. Read the booklet. Object now.

Sports England OBJECT to the proposal @ 11th August 2025

A highly respected sports organisation have raised objections to the application. Footpaths being vulnerable to ball strike, overshadowing of grassland due to bunds, (basically because this quarry is too close to the recreational ground) is what they're highlighting in their objection.

APPLICATION IS NOW MADE PUBLIC @ 22 JULY 2025

The application for Sand and Gravel extraction has now been deemed valid by the planning office at Leeds Council.

The council are urging objections be in now. Don't put it off, do it today.

Objections can now be made. Click here for more details on How to Object.

Castleford Riverside Surgery joins the campaign @ 21st July 2025

We’re pleased to share that the Riverside Surgery in Castleford has submitted a letter opposing the proposed quarry. This is a second team of trusted healthcare professionals whose support carries real weight, highlighting the serious concerns about the quarry’s potential impact on public health, air quality, and community wellbeing. Their stance reinforces what so many of us already feel: that this proposal poses unacceptable risks to people's health across the Leeds Wakefield borders.

CLICK TO READ THE LETTER ->

Keir Mather MP writes to Hargreaves @ 21st July 2025

Keir Mather has written to Hargreaves to outline his concerns with the planning application, following him being briefed by Res Assoc and Stop Methley Quarry campaign. He raises a number of what he calls 'significant concerns' and he mentions the significant local opposition to the proposals. Please add to that local opposition by registering your own objection.

See our page for our list of concerns.

LEEDS COUNCIL PUBLISH LARGER SITES FOR SEARCH ALLOCATIONS LLP2042 @10 JULY 2025

Leeds Planning have launched a consultation on a refresh of their Leeds Local Plan (LLP). The current (adopted) LLP containing allocations of land for specific development types expires in 2026 and will be replaced by this new LLP. This refreshed version includes previously allocated land for sand and gravel in Methley, and two further proposed allocations that are larger : In summary they as-is (and subject of Hargreaves proposal), as-is extended to residential property boundaries on Pinfold Lane & Lower Mickletown, and the third allocates all of what most of us would call Methley for mineral search. This is a case in point of one of our objection reasons : once a quarrier is in, then you cannot get 'em out. Expand Expand Expand. Phase after Phase after Phase. We'll include more of this info on Our Concerns page.

Application remains unpublished by Leeds CC planning @ 8th July 2025

The application remains unpublished by Leeds planning despite today being well beyond LCC's threshold date for Hargreaves to close 'gaps' in the application.

We as a campaign group are continuing to frequently press our elected Leeds City Councillors for their position and their action plan. The response from the leader of the council is the councillors have 'no new information', and are unaware of what has happened since the councils threshold date was passed. As a result there is no meaningful update from LCC to the campaign group about what is happening, nor about any LCC action plan for the application's next step.

MMRA therefore remain uninformed by LCC why this delay is happening, and why it is being permitted to continue in this way.

Yet time rolls on since Feb 2024, and thus so do the increasing harms being caused to residents by this apparently open ended quarry threat situation.

Site Awareness Visit 28 June 2025

Whilst we continue to wait for an application to become made public, there was a well attended Site Awareness and Appreciation event on 28 June. The perimeter of the site and the public footpaths being put at risk were walked, and the open views from both were enjoyed. Here's some photos of the event. If you have photos feel free to send them to stopmethleyquarry@gmail.com and we'll share them from here.

Kidderminster Campaign has success @23 June 2025

This campaign in Kidderminster blocked the quarry from going ahead in their village.  So can we in ours.

click here to read more

Methley Surgery joins the campaign @ 16th June 2025

We’re pleased to share that the Doctors Surgery has formally submitted a letter opposing the proposed quarry—a significant development in our campaign. As trusted healthcare professionals, their support carries real weight, highlighting the serious concerns about the quarry’s potential impact on public health, air quality, and community wellbeing. Their stance reinforces what so many of us already feel: that this proposal poses unacceptable risks to the people of Methley.

CLICK TO READ THE LETTER -> 

Hargreaves application has gaps in it @ 11th June 2025

The Stop Methley Quarry group were informed Hargreaves had submitted their application to Leeds Planning, on 28th April 2025.

Hargreaves application to Leeds council entered a ‘validation phase' during which Leeds Planning examine the application for completeness and correct consultation.

The validation phase has completed and the council have reported the application is not complete. It is missing key plans. This is again lengthening the process and the pains of it, creates concerns about the capabilities of Hargreaves to comply with planning requirements, and is a cause for alarm about Hargreaves capability to manage a quarry within the rules and regulations required throughout the lifecycles of an application, of a potential quarry, and of a restorative phase.

Until these shortcomings in Hargreaves application are closed by Hargreaves then the window for objections cannot be opened.

So again, we wait. Again. Once more we’re strung out whilst a company that’s wanting to rip up the area gets its ‘ship' in order.

The Stop Methley Quarry group have good reasons & solid data to object with, and will share it onto this site after the application is public.

Until then we understand from LCC planning that Hargreaves must comply with a requirement to submit their missing content to Leeds planning by 26th June. We understand that the council could then either publish the application or reject the application as incomplete. The process would then need to be re-started with a further application from Hargreaves.

When we know, you’ll know. Check here for the latest.

The council update received through openness and transparency via Cllr James Lewis and Cllr Mary Harland on 9 June 2025 is as follows.......

'Validation checks on this application are complete. The description of the development has been altered to clearly identify the development proposed. Planning consultations are ready to go out and the application will be advertised in the press and by 5 site notices. However, we note that multiple plans are missing from the submission so the application won’t be validated until these have been provided to us. They have (until about 25/26th June) to submit this info to us, thanks.'

Hargreaves application submitted to LCC @28th April 2025

The Stop Methley Quarry group were informed Hargreaves had submitted their application to Leeds Planning, on 28th April 2025.

It will now enter a validation phase with Leeds City Council.  Duration of this phase is unknown.  

We're expecting an application @ April 2025 (date slipped many times since July 2024)

Once the application is made public, the campaign group will require a short period to assess the detail contained within the documentation which is likely to be vast. This is necessary to help formulate the appropriate strategies for objection.

As soon as this step is in place the campaign will visibly move forward in earnest.

We will circulate information on how to write the most effective objection. Please ensure you are signed up to the mailing list below to receive this information

We will also update the website here and circulate info on our key concerns

  • The proposal is to extract 2.7 million tonnes of sand and gravel (between 150,000 and 300,000 tonnes per year)

  • The quarry would be in operation for AT LEAST 15 years.

  • Truck movements 76 wagons per day down Green Lane and out onto the A639.

  • In six months the enabling work on site could commence

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